Hypnobabies vs HypnoBirthing
What's the difference? This question is one that consumers and experts alike are asking frequently. To help answer the question of Hypnobabies vs HypnoBirthing, we'll cover the major differences between the two predominant programs. More importantly, we'll go ahead and share the secrets about why we created HelloBirth as a unique form of hypnobirthing: 1) to improve results for students; 2) to improve support for the instructors. (We'll expand more on these goals and how we're reaching them in the last section of this post!)
First, a little history. Founded by Marie Mongan, the HypnoBirthing Institute and the gold seal indicating "the original and still the best" would indicate the program is the only way to learn hypnosis for birth. Fast forward to today and this is certainly not the case. There are at least a dozen other hypnosis for birth programs, which can become confusing to say the least. Hypnobabies was founded some years later to address the initial problems of training gaps and incomplete student materials.
Why are there so many different ways to learn hypnobirthing?
Hypnobirthing as a general term is a philosophy with good intentions. That's why it has become so popular and the reason that many other hypnobirthing programs have popped up. To borrow a phrase from TedTalks, HypnoBirthing began as an idea worth spreading.
But in order to know what you're going to be getting, it's really important to distinguish between programs based on meditation and mindfulness in order to create a relaxation response, versus those based on therapeutic techniques to create an actual positive change in brain activity, which is a scientifically proven process. If you're after techniques that minimize or eliminate pain from childbirth, you need the therapeutic based techniques rather than the simpler, relaxation based version. Every hypnobirthing method out there will be relaxing, but only some of the methods will teach you how to channel that initial relaxation into pain reduction.
The hundreds of practitioners who've trained through the HypnoBirthing Institute unfortunately have had to build quite a bit onto what they were given in order to make a full-fledged class. And that's actually the reason Hypnobabies was created, as an opportunity to fill in some of what was missing.
What consumers really need to know before deciding which class to take is that a lot is missing from The Mongan Method in terms of hypnosis techniques. It's hard to believe, but as experts in the field we can confidently say you can expect to receive solid results from both Hypnobabies and HelloBirth hypnosis techniques, but not necessarily from all Mongan Method classes. For instance, Lindsey built her Sunflowers Wellness classes around the Mongan philosophy but added in her own content which came from her experience as a hypnotherapist and a doula.
Here's a quick summary of Hypnobabies vs HypnoBirthing (Mongan) and HelloBirth side by side:
Student Books
- Thick Textbook, Partner Guide, Hypnosis Script Book (Lost Books Are Common). Very Text Heavy
Student Books
- Sleek Birth Guide Book (includes partner guide, hypnosis scripts, and birth stage guidance), Digital Class Guide (in app)
Audio Tracks
- Twelve Included. You Can Buy Others
- Average Track Length: 45 Min.
Audio Tracks
- Complete Support for All Modes of Birth + Postpartum
- Average Track Length: 25 Min. / Depth Hypnosis Included
Audio Tracks
- Relaxation and Meditation Focus
- Average Track Length: 12 Min. Depth Hypnosis Not Included.
Student Books
- A Philosophy Only. Childbirth Education Not Included
DC Region Instructors
- Difficult to Get Trained and Stay Active
DC Region Instructors
- Only 3 Offering Classes. Easy to Train But Difficult to Get Started
So why HelloBirth?
At first glance it could seem like a huge organization like The Mongan Method (also known as The HypnoBirthing Institute) with a long history is the best option, or that Hypnobabies is the way to go as it has earned a reputation for being more thorough than HypnoBirthing (Mongan).
HelloBirth has improved on both of these options with improved accessibility and quality for both students and instructors, with more support and less dogma. We have designed a simple, elegant program that is easy to learn and digest (and fun to teach)! We have certified our first groups of instructors and are so proud of the work they've done with their students. We have gotten stories back from these students saying how HelloBirth impacted their birth stories positively.
"Everything you typically see is so one-dimensional (white, straight, pink/blue). I never expected to see people like me reflected in the childbirth class materials!"
Our birth plan changed and at first we felt so disappointed. But as we listened to HelloBirth's My Cesarean Birth on the ride to the hospital, the script suddenly flipped! We felt at peace. We felt empowered and excited to meet our baby! We knew our birth story was ours to claim.
Our HelloBirth audio tracks are unique!
- Hypnobabies is known for its medical-grade hypnosis techniques and HelloBirth has employed this depth as well -- with even more accessible language than Hypnobabies uses and we've done it with shorter, more digestible scripts (except where length counts, such as our Rock This Birth! Depth Practice track).
- The HelloBirth hypnosis audio library is robust. And unlike Hypnobabies, every single student receives the whole sha-bang. There are 3 core hypnosis tracks, each teaching an important technique. Our Depth track guides you to a deeply relaxed place where your techniques are strengthened and reinforced.
- Pregnancy Affirmations keeps you feeling positive in your day-to-day living.
- You will also benefit greatly from our Optimal Positioning track and the Fear Release session.
- There are two hypnosis tracks for the birthing day, plus two supportive tracks for special situations.
- There are supportive postpartum tracks as well.
In addition to the pain minimization techniques, HelloBirth childbirth education is thorough. There's an interactive digital class guide as well as a beautiful full-color guide to keep in your birth bag. The teaching guide helps the instructors run a class seamlessly with research-based teaching techniques. HelloBirth trains the teacher for real-world readiness, rather than just how to regurgitate curriculum.
Perhaps most importantly, we offer the thoroughness and effectiveness that's needed without the overwhelming, rigid methodology. We offer the core philosophies that the movement towards positive birth was originally founded on and have built something truly special. We've designed a clean, modern, effective and simple program.
At HelloBirth we believe there is always room to grow. We're starting with a focus on instilling the same level of confidence in our instructors that we ultimately want to impart to our students. We have created exactly the program and the materials we've always wanted to be able to offer to our pregnant clients and exactly what instructors need to succeed at both teaching and building a business around their classes. If you're weighing your options and considering Hypnobabies vs HypnoBirthing, we hope you'll give HelloBirth a look. If you're still deciding, feel free to send us an email and we'd be glad to chat! In the meantime, here are a few additional questions we get asked a lot when it comes to hypnobirthing.
What results can my clients expect when using HelloBirth Hypnobirthing?
Anyone who listens to a HelloBirth hypnobirthing audio track, even one time, can expect to enjoy a sense of calm. Think about all the many ways we tend to spend our time: working, worrying, arguing, spending money, spinning our wheels, you get the idea. The benefits of investing in a HelloBirth hypnobirthing class eventually become an infinite resource, because the skills you'll adopt will be there for you, not only during birth, but any time in the future when you're in need of a quick "dose" of comfort, calm and a risk-free way to release anxiety. The results will be clients who are not only more calm during pregnancy and sleep better at night, but also clients who have a true plan for their birth. Not just a "birth plan," but a birth management plan, a set of skills to support them with the sensations of birth. No other childbirth class does this in the same way that HelloBirth hypnobirthing can.
How does HelloBirth support Cesarean births?
HelloBirth includes a My Cesarean Birth track in the app, which every student gets access to. This is so that if it's needed, it's already accessible. No one is expected to make any last-minute purchases or wrestle with downloading large files during an already stressful time. This track is very special because it guides the listener to embrace the changes that are occurring and arrive at the other side with a sense of accomplishment and peace. This is a gift we are very proud to be able to offer to each and every HelloBirth student who has a change of plans or simply needs or desires a surgical birth.
What's the most compelling reason you would suggest for taking HelloBirth instead of another hypnobirthing program?
Accessibility! HelloBirth is thoughtfully designed so that students can receive maximum benefit in the least amount of time. The 4-week class schedules are accessible, the lightweight, printed guide book can be easily tucked into your birth bag, the materials are pre-loaded on your phone, and your HelloBirth instructor is ready to help you embark on a journey of self-compassion and intentional preparation.
In summary, why is HelloBirth the best hypnobirthing program available?
Real-world readiness is what stands out about HelloBirth students after they complete their classes. They're ready to use their HelloBirth pain reduction skills in either their very own homes with a midwife, or in a Cesarean birth, knowing that it's impossible for them to fail. They know how to trust themselves even if they experience circumstances beyond their control. They and their partners know how to confidently get the information they need to make appropriate decisions for themselves and their babies. They know how to stay calm under pressure, they're prepared for the work of birthing a baby, and they believe in themselves.
If you have questions about training to become a HelloBirth instructor or taking a HelloBirth class, please send us an email: info@hellobirthclass.com and we'll get back to you in about 48 hours. Chat soon!